Victorious Living for the Modern Church

The Ephesians faced the challenge of building an authentic Christian community in the face of a face-changing and demonically oppressive culture. Paul urges the Church in Ephesus to grow in Unity, to lead well at home, in the Church, and to fight spiritual warfare in the marketplace. This blog post will discuss how you can embrace a supportive community to experience wholeness and become leaders at home and in the world; while overcoming the attacks of Satan.

One Victory 

The book Ephesians is fascinating. Most of us focus on the armor of God and the weapon of warfare. However, I want you to zoom your lens out and focus on Paul's letter to the Ephesians. While in the Roman prison, Paul began to write the letters of the new testament under divine inspiration. The central thesis of Paul's statement in Ephesus: The Church is Christ's body, It is living: the Church stays together, The Church itself is an instrument to whip the devil. 

Let me briefly connect the book of Ephesians to the new testament Joshua. In your devotional time, I encourage you to read Joshua 6. Look at the picture of the Jericho wall. The children of Israel were released from captivity. God tells Pharaoh to let my people go. Pharaoh says no, I am not doing that. God forces Pharaoh's hand. The people of Israel crossed the red sea, and Pharaoh started chasing God's people. God began through Moses parting the red sea, the children of Israel crossed the red sea, the Egyptians followed behind, and God closed the red sea because they should have listened to God the first time. 

Quick teaching: Next time God tells you something, try listening.

Pharaoh's army is washed up, and Moses and the children of Israel are on the other side. Moses is in retirement, and Joshua is now the new leader, a very young leader. Moses tells him to be of good courage. One of the first things they have to do is face a city with walls, the wall of Jericho. It is important because the enemy chased them into the red sea, God rescued them, and now you would think the land God promised them would be a land that is secured, but it wasn't. Some fights had to take place. In the book of Joshua, the people have to enter a land, overcome the enemy and occupy it. God's chosen people were to tear down the wall to receive His promise.  

Some things in your life will not take place until you start fighting. Sometimes the businesses we dream of and the funding we need are locked up behind walls. What God has promised us, we must take what was delivered, pick up our armor and sword, and fight.  

When Paul is writing this letter, just like the children of Israel had to take over the land, you now occupy a season the enemy already has established. Paul's message was just like the walls of Jericho; everything that's against God will fall. But this time, we don't march around the wall, we move in faith, and faith will drive the enemy out.  

The book's message is to get Christians to recognize we have a privilege. Privilege means we have access, resources, and benefits. The Kingdom of God has redemption rights that are sealed by the blood of Jesus. We are not intended to be in the wilderness and say the devil wins. We live in victory, One victory. It's time to grab hold of everything God has for us. 

God's Trophies 

In Ephesians 2, Paul uses the metaphor of the Church being like a temple. He outlines how churches are holy places where people can come to worship and commune with God. He presents a picture of the Church and its people as God's trophies by likening the Church to a temple.

We are God's trophies. He gave us the victory over sin because we are His trophies. We were once dead to sin and gave in to the devil. The devil works to try to gain influence from you through disobedience. The devil gets busy talking to us constantly about our decision-making, believing our wrongs are correct, and especially following God. 

But the good news is, BUT GOD! Who is rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us. Even when we were dead in our sins, BUT GOD. God recreated and repositioned Us! We are alive in Christ and repositioned for new blessings of abundance, opportunities, hope, grace, and mercy.  

Vs. 7 "in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." In 2022, God might show us off that He might put us on display, like trophies. God wants to put us on display, despite the devil's trap. God brought us out of all sin so He might give us away. God wants to take you, set you up, put you on display, then take you back to the people and give you to them. Since we are all trophies, we become united corporately as a family of God. Social and cultural differences are irrelevant in Jesus as he binds us together as one. There is no reason to be separated from your church family. Vs.14 "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility," He did it then, and He's doing it now. The Church is no place for separation, camps, clicks, schisms, no more walls, no more loneliness.

Paul concludes with the order of keeping us together.

We Are Covered on Earth and in Heaven; we are the family of God, covered by Christ. 

Vs.19-21 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." 

Therefore, every family has a head where Christ is the head of the Church universally, and there is also an apostolic head to each Church. The apostolic and prophetic are foundational ministries of the Church. God has given me to you as a gift, an apostolic covering. I don't choose who I am given to as a gift. You get to choose where you worship. People choose pastors; Pastors do not choose people. What you have in me is a father indeed. Rest on that foundation, stay together and stay on display.  

The Battle Plan 

In Ephesians 3, Paul talks about how the Church is like a mystery. He says it has been hidden from people for a long time but is now being revealed. He urges people to be bold and courageous in sharing the gospel and overcoming principalities.

The Battle plan is the mystery that God is unveiling. Plans require instructions, and most of us don't like to listen to people. When looking at chapter 2, the foundation is laid with the apostles and prophets, which encourages us to get with God's plan to do the Kingdom work to defeat the devil.  

Ephesians 3:1 "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—" Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone who holds together the plan. As a leader of the Church, Paul says he is a prisoner of Christ, not a prisoner of the devil; it is a prisoner of God- abundance, grace, victory, breakthrough, glory. When you follow me into this battle, what falls on me falls on you. I, like Paul, am committed to winning. 

As a Church, we should identify what the devil is doing to destroy Unity. The tension is where the triumph is. My spiritual Father, Prophet Lee, told me in my twenties when my life was tough, it was easy to abandon the position but to stand still. He would grab a rubber band and say, "Son, this is where you are; God is pulling you back, and it seems like he is restricting your life. Do you see how this rubber band is shaking De'Andre? It is you right now. Your mind is unstable because you have not settled into what God is trying to do. When you get into this tension, don't run, Son. Because what God is getting ready to do is give you more tension and pull you back further. You may wonder why God is doing this to you, Son, but I have good news for you, De'Andre. When God pulls you back and brings you into tension, the further He pulls you back, the further you will launch." 

The Church's purpose is to battle principalities and powers. The Church should not sit back and wait for the enemy's attack. We are to snatch people from harm's way through prayer, preaching, worship, and fellowship. All God's trophies are to be revealed and walk-in holy boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. We should put the devil on notice. We should go into neighbors and territories and say no lack, no poverty, be healed, and we cancel divorce. 

We Win together

Paul appeals for Christian Unity in Ephesians 4, citing seven scriptural facts. Among these, he includes the fact that there is one body and one Spirit. There is a calling on your life, and we win when we accept the call.

There is a call to be a disciple, a call to serve, a call to lead servants, and a call to lead leaders. We have to accept this call. Agreements require a signature or acceptance to receive their benefits. Likewise, until we accept who we are in Christ, we live beneath our privilege.

Paul Encourages Christians To Walk Worthy of their Call.  Four ways to walk worthy: Humility, Patience, Enduring love, Unity- (One body and one Spirit) of the Spirit. 

Vs. 4-6 "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The Kingdom operates on the principle of oneness: One Body, One Universal Church. The Call of the Church is Unity; We win together when we are an active part of the Kingdom. You can serve all over the world and live in your purpose. Each one of us has been given a different journey. Gifts are uniquely graced to unite the body. Christ apportioned the gifts; custom fit for the role. We are called to keep our faith united. 

Like Paul, who prayed for the people of Ephesus in Chapter 3:16-19, I pray this for you. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Discussion Starters: 

1) How do you know that you are a disciple? 

Jesus gives us the answer: Go out and make disciples

Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

2) Will you be a disciple that makes disciples? Will you sacrifice yourself? Lay down your life for your friends? Will you inconvenience your life to serve in the house of God?

3) What are some ways you deal with tension (that stretch) as you apply the Battle Plan? 

4) What steps will you take to unite and be an active part of the Kingdom? 

Creflo Dollar is Wrong: Tithes are Biblical and Essential...

In recent teaching that has gone viral, Creflo Dollar said that tithing is not biblical. He argued that tithing is not required in the Bible, based upon a weak exegesis of Romans 6:14 stating "we are no longer under the Law but under grace." To use this passage to teach against tithing is just terrible and lazy theology!

Creflo's argument is flawed for two reasons. First, tithing predates both the Law and grace. Second, while Jesus did teach against many things, He never taught against tithing as a requirement of God. Jesus expressly teaches that tithing is proper.

If tithing is wrong, Creflo Dollar and World Changers church should return all the tithes they have scammed back to the community. Ultimately, tithing is about having a heart for God and Kingdom building. It's an act of worship. Let's explore the biblical truth about tithing, so your worship is complete.

Tithing is not under grace or The Law; it precedes both

Creflo's argument is flawed because tithing is an act of worship and obedience that predates the Law and grace. Whatever one wants to argue about tithing and whether it should be practiced or not, it must be accepted that Abraham tithed to Melchizedek before the Law was given (Gen 14:20)! But Abraham was not under the Law. Therefore his tithe was not required by the Law. Abraham's tithe was an act of worship and obedience to God, not law-keeping.

Likewise, Jacob promised to tithe at Bethel (Gen 28:22). He was not under the Law either, but his tithe was also an act of worship. Abraham and Jacob were not living under the Law but obeying God.

While it is true that tithing predates the Law, it was included in the Law as a requirement (Lev 27:30-33). The tithe belonged to God and was to be given to the Levites, who had no inheritance in the land. The Levites, in turn, were to give a tenth of the tithe to the priests. So, tithing was not just a requirement for Israelites after the Law was given; it was also required of the Levites and priests!

If tithing predates Law, it also predates grace. So if Creflo wants to hinge his whole argument on Romans 6:14, then we would still need to tithe because tithing precedes Law. Romans 6:14 does not say that we are no longer under God! Abraham and Jacob were under God; that's why they tithed. Codifying the tithe into Law does change the definition of a tithe - it is an act of worship.

Jesus corrects a lot of misunderstandings about the Law, but He never teaches to not tithe

Creflo's argument is wrong because tithing was a regular practice during Jesus' ministry on earth and after his ascension. While it is true that Jesus came to fulfill the Law, He did not do away with tithing. Jesus understands that tithing is an act of worship that predates the Law and grace. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the Law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone." Jesus is correcting the Pharisees. If you read Matthew 23:23 closely and the corresponding passage in Luke 11:42, it is clear that Jesus was not doing away with tithing. He was correcting the Pharisees' view of tithing! The Pharisees had turned tithing into a burden instead of worship.

The fact that Jesus never said not to tithe means we should continue to tithe. If tithing was something that was not required of Christians, don't you think Jesus would have said so? The fact that He never said not to tithe proves that tithing is still a requirement for Christians.

Now let's jump to the deep end of the pool. Jesus upholds the tithe by saying, "you should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." This means you should tithe but also practice justice. Why would Jesus teach against anything that brings glory to the Father? Why would Jesus teach us not to worship the Father by returning the earthly treasures He has given us for his use. Doesn't Psalm 24:1 say the earth is the Lord's and everything in it? I guess, for Creflo and the anti-tithe movement, everything belongs to God except the tithe!

Jesus never taught incomplete worship. To worship and not tithe is incomplete. Jesus argued that all of our money should be subject to God as our Master (Matthew 6:24). Money should not get in the way of serving God. How we handle our money is a reflection of our relationship with God. Tithing is worship, and worship is relational. Tithing is relational, not Law.

Creflo Dollar's teachings on tithing may be motivated by self-interest

It's been a while since I've heard anything from Creflo Dollar, but it seems he's trying to distance himself from his past heretical prosperity teachings. The belief that faith is some magical act will result in God giving you everything you ever wanted. The main problem with prosperity teaching is that it's completely self-centered. It's all about what you can get from God instead of what you can give to God.

I'm not sure why people can't see through the survival tactics of the preachers formerly known as prosperity preachers. This is the tag these guys once wore as honorary badges, and now from Benny Hinn to Creflo Dollar, they want to say they were wrong. They all stop short of apologizing for leading people astray. If they're going to repent for what they taught, they can always sell the jets and return the money to the people they duped with other heretical teachings. Here's an idea for Creflo - if what he taught was so wrong, instead of asking people to destroy the evidence (i.e., his old books and tapes), he should have them returned to his ministry for refunds!

I disagree with Creflo Dollar's teachings on tithing. I do think they're motivated by self-interest. Perhaps, Creflo is once again probably trying to increase his wealth by telling people that tithing isn't required anymore. It's what we call a rebrand! He's trying to rebrand himself as a more moderate preacher to increase his appeal and, ultimately, his income. We've seen this before.

Why Christians should continue to tithe even if Creflo Dollar says you shouldn't

Tithing is a biblical practice that Christians should continue to do. It's not about how much money you can get from God; it's about giving back to God what is already His. Tithing is a biblical practice of worship that predates the Law and grace. While tithing is codified into the Law, it exists on its own apart from the Law and grace. The most theologically accurate conclusion is that tithing is not just a "legal" requirement but a biblical principle of worship that predates the Law and grace. Christians should continue to tithe because it is an act of worship that brings glory to God.

The Apostle Paul taught that how we give is as important as what we give. He said, "Let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). If you don't want to tithe, don't. Don't give your tithe grudgingly. Also, please don't justify your rejection of tithing as worship with scriptures concerning grace! However you give, tithe or offering, do it with humility and reverence - as part of your God worship.

Do you agree or disagree with Creflo Dollar's teachings on tithing? Do you agree or disagree with my rebuttal? Let me know in the comments!

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thanks for reading. :)

Bishop De’Andre Salter

A Godly Father's Heart Sermon Notes

I hope men will use these notes as a pathway to reconcile and heal their families. Malachi prophesies that when a father turns his heart toward his children, God will then turn the hearts of children toward their father. I pray this Father’s Day you will redeem relationships.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Bishop De’Andre Salter

He Still Moves Stones - Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009

Scripture: Luke 24:1-11

Introduction

What do you do when the very essence of life has been sucked out of you with one despicable, low blow?  This is the situation the followers of Christ found themselves in after the crucifixion. One-day life with Christ was excellent, the next day, complete horror.  Jesus was now stuck in a grave behind a huge stone, which no single man could possibly move. Sometimes, life is seemingly unfair, and we seemingly unprepared to deal with the massive stones that are blocking our deliverance.

Stones Have Great Symbolism

They represent that which is immovable.  They also conjure images of that which is durable and formidable.  Finally, they represent a certain permanence.  They also can be very intimidating.

When they rolled the stone in front of the tomb, the followers of Jesus must’ve all given up hope and finally resolved….this is it.

This is where many of us find ourselves today. There are huge stones, and it seems like Jesus is no longer available to us.

Everyone Has At Least One Very Large Stone That They Need Moved

In fact, the Gospels tell us that the women (Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James and Salome) came to embalm Jesus with spices. Even though they heard Jesus say that he would rise on the third day, they did not expect him to be anywhere but in that grave.

Perhaps, their perspective was somewhat warped, or their equilibrium was off. Still, this group accepted that the stone sealed a reality that even Jesus was not going to change. Therefore the best they could do is just accept the reality: there was no longer a reason to hope for better.

Likewise, everybody here is probably struggling to believe that their stones can be and will be moved.

See, when huge stones set into our life, it seems impossible to keep hope alive.  Like those women, we come to church every week preparing to anoint dead things.  I know it sounds crazy, but c’mon we all have anointed dead things before:

• We ask for a relationship, seeking to anoint the inappropriate behaviors in which we might engage, as in times past.

• We ask God to bless us with more money to get out of debt, trying to anoint our selfishness and greed, which is really the problem.

• We ask for God to open doors for a career path, trying to anoint the fact that once we get promoted, we will stop coming to church.

• We ask God to give us more faith, seeking to anoint the fact that we are afraid to go through struggles.

• We seek opportunities to minister, attempting to anoint our rebellious, un-teachable, and un-submitted spirit.

The dead being among the dead is more customary than we might think.  It is a sign that we have not allowed Jesus to make His way into our problem. Death behaviors are a sign that we are not taking God at His word. 

The reality is this, set back will set you up for crazy! That’s why all of our emotions and intellect start to go out of whack as we fight off anger, anxiety, doubt, disillusionment, and disappointment.

Perhaps The Problem Was Not The Size Of The Stone But The Size Of Their Faith

From our human perspective, once a stone is moved into place, our minds become sealed, and we submit to the massiveness of it.

From a heavenly perspective, our stone presents an opportunity for God to do the unthinkable.  Provide you the salvation that you are seeking.

1. The truth is, no matter how big the problem, God is bigger.  Tell yourself, say [your name], God is bigger than your problem. He is bigger than debt, physical pain, emotional trauma, and workplace politics…!

2. What God desires from us, is a more kingdom-minded perspective on the problem.  The Angels asked the women: Why do you seek the living among the dead?  In other words:

• Where is your expectancy? 

• If Jesus said that God would lift him up on the third day, then why are you seeking him in a grave?

People come to church every week without a sense of expectancy.

You Will Never Find The Breakthrough You Need If You Stay In A Grave

There ain’t nothing in the grave but death, but in the kingdom, there is life!

The only reason we feel comfortable living life with the same dead emotional outlook, dead perspectives, and dead thinking is the lack of faith.  Believers know everything in the kingdom moves on faith:

• You can only be saved by faith (Eph 2:8)

• Made whole and holy by faith (Matt 15:28)

• In the book of life by faith (Rev 21:27)

• Without faith, it is it impossible for us to please God (Heb 11:6)

The Only Way That Stone Is Going To Move Out Of Your Way Is By Faith!

Jesus died knowing and believing that everything the Father told him shall come to pass!  Look at your neighbor and say, “it shall come to pass.”  You have to believe it like you believe you have the winning lottery ticket – that God is going to move that thing out of your way.

What faith is NOT (four types of bad faith):

• Negative faith (Doubt). Like Thomas, who did not believe Christ had risen, we feel there is no hope.  Jesus says, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24

• Impatient faith. (No endurance).  Some grow weary.  They say that stone has been in my way for three days.  Paul says, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”  Gal 6:9

• Dysfunctional faith (Anxious).  Some worry whether it shall be.  God says, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end, it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.” Hab 2:3

• Perverted faith (Scared). We are afraid that God will disappoint.  Paul reminds, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  2 Tim 1:7

What is faith that can move mountains?

Matthew 17:20

With faith, only the size of a mustard seed, Jesus says, not only can we move stones, we can even move the mountains that make them. 

The key revelation is that with faith, nothing will be impossible for you.  In other words, faith itself creates new possibilities that did not exist before.  You might be stuck in life starring at a stone and a grave, but until you can see and feel the breaking of day, daybreak will never be a reality you will experience.

Moreover, faith is both the substance of hope and the evidence of the invisible.  Therefore, faith itself is all of the evidence I need that the stone in my life is about to be rolled away. (Heb 11:1)

Believe It, Jesus Still Moves Stones

Allow your faith to be the breeding ground for hope and expectancy.

So no matter how large, he still moves stones!

As the angel declared – Jesus is no longer interested in the grave HE HAS RISEN! 

Because he has risen, so shall I rise above the obstacles in my life.

When Christ was resurrected, he did not just move the problem, he moved the person!

Therefore, my next level, my breakthrough is right around the corner.  God is waiting for my faith to see what he has already done.

Tell three people, he’s already done it!  When the women came to the tomb to anoint the dead, they were perplexed to find out that God had already done it!  Know that it’s already done.  God made a way of escape for you before you even knew you were in trouble.

Jeremiah 29:11 declares, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace [good] and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope [an expected end].”

I can feel the breaking of the day because I believe God is going to move me and the stone.

How will God perform the unthinkable?  How shall he move this stone out of my life?

Like he did with Christ, By his own spirit.  (Zech 4:6)

This is why he sent Christ to us, to prove to us all that the very same power that created all things will do its most beautiful work in us through salvation.

My hope is the Lord because He still moves stones.

Get Up and Get Out - Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020

1 Corinthians 15:1–5 ESV

1Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

Introduction

Salvation = escape from God’s judgment of sin by believing Jesus Christ, the Son of God died for my sin, was buried, and HE ROSE again

The argument is centered on whether he got up, and the very quality of your existence rests upon your faith in this historical and spiritual truth.

If I believe Jesus “got up” from the grave and “got out” of the tomb then I should also believe I can “get up and get out” of my life troubles!

There Are Many People Perishing Now Because They Have Nothing to Believe in Or Are at Minimum Confused

The latest Pew study shows that 78% of Americans still identify themselves as Christians, but only:

• 33% interpret Scripture as the literal word of God

• 79% believe in miracles (how can one have a miracle without believing in the Word?)

• 50% say they are absolutely convinced about the existence of life after death

• 70% believe in Heaven but only 56% believe in Hell (so many are confused and unsure about life, death and eternal judgment) (Gallup)

Jesus Saves and Gives 2nd Chances

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Lazurus' Second Chance (John 12:1)

"Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead." John 12:1

Woman with Blood Issue's Second Chance (Mark 5:25-29)

"28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately ......she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction." Mark 5:28,29

Faith Unlocks My Power to Get Up and Get Out

1. The holy spirit provides us power (Acts 1:28)

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

2. Power to do great things (Acts 9:40)

"40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up."

I “get up and get out” by letting faith work in my head, heart and hands

1. My head must believe that with Christ nothing is impossible( Matthew 17:20)

"So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."

2. My heart must believe that Jesus is faithful (Hebrews 10:22a, 23)

"22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith....... 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

3. My hands must faithfully work (James 2:20)

"But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?"

Get up and Get Out Today, By Believing in Jesus

The son of god, died for your sins, was crucified and is risen (romans 10:9-10).

"9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Love Made Me Do It - Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020

Scripture

Genesis 14:13-16

Introduction

Satan continually attempts to divide and conquer families, hoping that he can gain a captive and get us to give up on each other. 

Lot's captivity began when he stubbornly went his own way into a land filled with sin. 

When Abraham received word of Lot's demise, he wasted no time to rescue him and bring him back into the family's goodwill. This is what Easter is all about. Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross to save all families reveals how love truly conquers all.  

Family Members Can Do Some Things That Make You Really Angry.

1. Lot represents the family member tests the extremities of our love - proud, ignorant, and stubborn; a fatal combination!

2. Satan will settle for who he CAN get – targeting the spiritually weakest among us. He did the same with Jesus, had Him crucified by the betrayal of Judas.

3. Jesus is always seeking to gain a life.

4. How can we indeed be happy with a divided or distant family?

• Separation is painfully debilitating – not even Jesus wanted to leave his earthly family behind (Garden of Gethsemane prayer in John 17).

• Abraham did not want to be part from Lot because they had built a life together. Even though the disagreed, he continually tried to reach him.

Jesus' Love for Us Models the Love We Should Have for Our Wayward Family Members

Both Abraham and Jesus show us the power of loving being:

1. Unconditionally redemptive - love and forgiveness are not the same things; God loved the world, so he gave…. God gave Jesus before He for-gave US! You don't need the offenders' repentance to start the process of reconciliation. (John 3:16)

2. Truthfully rehabilitative - our Christian walk requires us to draw closer to God and change as His light illuminates our imperfections.

3. Gracefully restorative - Jesus is tender. He is concerned about what makes us hurt the most.

4. Incredibly connective - Trouble helps us grow closer. Lot left Haran as Abraham's nephew then ended up as Abraham's brother.

Winning the Lost in Our Families Is A Shared Goal with Jesus

We should try to get them saved by any means necessary!

• Abraham did not debate Lot's need for salvation.

• Parable of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin  - Luke 15:1-7; 8-10

Join with a few prayer warriors in your cause.

• "….The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful." James 5:16 HOL

• This battle was too big and significant for Abraham to fight alone (the men were "trained" and "servants").

Don't give up when you meet resistance from the enemy or the captive.

• "Then Jesus used this story to teach his followers that they should always pray and never lose hope." Luke 18:1 NCV

• Abraham pursued and attacked the enemy until his brother (LOT) was released!

• Jesus' resurrection has released us all from the bondage of Satan. We are free to love and build a family in a radically different way.